This outfit, like yesterday's room, has personality, color and pattern. I started this ensemble with the bright yellow pants! I wanted to go bold with the pants and help anchor the outfit, similar to the way the tufted headboard anchored the space. When I found the striped top, it instantly reminded me of the blue and white flame stitch pillows in the room. The bedroom space had various shades of blues mixed in with yellows and greens. I thought this scarf helped to also tie in the outfit's colors like the duvet did in the room. The accessories in this outfit are fun and reminiscent of a casual summer day. And in yesterday's space, the cheerful, eclectic vibe made you feel right at home and relaxed.

I have always loved this space and was so excited to see it on pinterest! I love all of the patterns, color and inviting feel you get when you see the space. Southern Living magazine's editor, Jennifer Kopf, was looking for some updates to her master bedroom. She collaborated with Lindsey Ellis Beatty, the magazine's decorating editor, and came up with this chic, fun space that's all about color! I love the various shades of blue used in the space. Jennifer said, "I also didn't worry about all the blues matching perfectly. If you put together things you love, it usually works." I love that statement and couldn't agree more! I am currently working on our own bedroom space and also trying out various shades of blue. It's a fun experiment and I like that everything isn't matching. In this room, the walls are a light hue, allowing the pops of color to shine through in the accessories. The Dwell Studio duvet helps to bring all of the room's colors together, uniting the space and making it feel eclectic and cohesive. The yellows, blues and greens are all pulled from that gorgeous fabric. The tufted headboard is the showstopper in the space and its height makes the bed feel so grand. Overall, this space works!

What are your thoughts???

Are you ready to decorate your life? Click on the 'design services' at the top of my blog to get started! ﻿

Tuesday, April 24, 2012

Do you often look at pieces of furniture in your home and smile, thinking of its story- where it came from, the special or crazy meaning behind it? NO? Well, I do! :) I thought it would be fun to start a new series called This Piece Has History... where I pick a furniture piece or accessory in my home and discuss its roots. When we lived in Germany, we brought home some interesting stuff from flea markets and our travels. Some have silly, crazy and unique stories behind them! I will kick off this series with our dining room hutch...

This piece was bought while living in Germany. I saw it in an antique shop in Wurzburg, right across from the castle. I loved it at first sight, but it was way too expensive to make it home with us (that day.) I went back to the shop a few weeks later, to check if it was on sale. But to my dismay, it was no longer there. I was crushed. I thought that was it.... until, one night when my husband and I went out to the movies. (Poor guy thought we were only going to spend about $20 on movie tickets and some popcorn! Little did he know!) We had some extra time before the movie, and I spotted a clearance store with the same name as the shop by the castle. It was on a side road by the theater, and I had never heard of it before. We go inside, and there it was! Not only was it still around, it was about 40% off! It was truly meant to be. We paid for it, right then and there and they delivered it soon after! I could not get the smile off my face the entire movie. (We saw The Bourne Identity when it just came out.) To this day, my husband still says that was the most expensive movie we ever went to! :)

Sunday, April 22, 2012

As we celebrate Earth Day, I try to remember to reduce, reuse and recycle. But, there's also the fun kind of Earth Day Inspiration. When I think about going green... I also can't help but daydream about spaces with the color green! Here's some great inspiration and pretty green rooms to start your week. Enjoy!

I was instantly taken by the dramatic modern art above the fireplace. I love seeing graphic art mixed in with traditional furnishings, for an eclectic look. The next thing that got me was the fun use of color in the space. The blues, hot pinks, oranges and reds all work so well when paired with white walls. The light backdrop allows the colorful accessories to take center stage. Then the rustic quality of the barn doors to the left of the fireplace gives a warm, farmhouse appeal to a modern, edgy space. The gold accents of the coffee table make the traditional curves and shape appear more contemporary. I love the numbered art by the eating area- it adds another pop of color that ties into the fabrics in the living room. The fresh flowers and plants in the living room give a warm, homelike quality to the space. And the peek into the foyer in the distance reveals a beautiful lantern stlye light fixture and a gorgeous glossy black front door. Overall, this fun space works!

What are your thoughts???﻿

Are you ready to decorate your life? Click on the 'design services' link at the top of my blog to get started!

Wednesday, April 18, 2012

Thank you all so much for your sweet comments on yesterday's post. It truly means a lot to me! The recurring theme in your comments was to follow your heart and do what really feels right. I completely agree and am thankful for that extra boost of confidence. :) I definitely look forward with what's to come!

And now back to more design chat! The details and accessories in a space are so important. I know I have discussed this before, but when I see amazing rooms, it's often the little details that make me take the most notice. Here are some more beautiful rooms where the details count!

I love the eclectic mix of styles in these spaces. Pairing traditional pieces with modern, rustic with contemporary and bohemian with chic all work so well. It makes me want to go shopping around my house and create new vignettes!

Tuesday, April 17, 2012

I'll interrupt the normal, everyday pretty inspirations with some things that have been on my mind. (I guess it's good to keep things real every now and then, right?) When I started this blog, I knew I also wanted to start a career in the design world. I wasn't exactly sure how I was going to go about it, I just knew that this creative, fun and ever- changing path was for me. I love what I have been able to do so far- working with clients and drawing up rooms plans has been the best! I wouldn't change a thing with that. In the back of my mind, I always knew that I also wanted to take things a step further and expand my business. When contemplating what's best for you when making career decisions........ do you ever feel totally lost and confused?

I am a pretty optimistic person and deep down, I know it will all work out. Sometimes, you just need to vent, right? I was about to take this business down another path, thinking I would be expanding in a beneficial way. But then, I took a step back and thought- Is this really what I want to do? Would I even like this if it became successful? Is this the path I want to take? The more I thought about it, I realized it wasn't for me. So many other people became successful this way, but it doesn't mean it's my dream... it's theirs.

So... it's back to the drawing board! And that's not a bad thing, because things don't have to happen overnight. Sometimes, when you step back and reflect on what's really for you, the outcome is that much better. I truly believe that when you are doing something you absolutely love, it shows. I do have to say, that this blog and 'meeting' all of the inspiring entrepreneurs and strong people has helped to lead me in this direction!

I'm really getting closer to how I would like this business to grow and I'm extremely excited about the future! I'm still stressing about timing, etc., but there is a silver lining! In the coming months, I will go into further detail about my choices, how I'm making it all work and the logistics of it all. For now, I will leave you with this sweet quote my husband sent me:

Aspiring to a small business that does what it does very well is a noble pursuit.

Narenda Rocherolle

I thought that was so sweet to send that out of the blue! :) And now I am done with my rambling for the day!

If you've made it to the end of this post, I can ask- do you ever have days like this too???﻿

Monday, April 16, 2012

The right lighting in a space can take it to the next level. It is that eye catching piece in a room that makes you stop and take notice. One style of lighting that I love is the lantern look. It looks great indoors as well as outdoors, in multiple rooms and with almost any type of design style. Here are some gorgeous inspiration images for your Monday morning, where the lantern style light is the main focus! Enjoy!

I love this look and am strongly considering this style for our master bedroom chandelier. It would replace an exisiting ceiling fan and would take the space to next level! My favorite is the 2nd picture! (And by the way- I think that last kitchen image has solidified my decision to go with darker grout for our kitchen and bathroom, as opposed to white. Love that look! They're some renovations that are down the road, but still worth thinking about on a daily basis! :))

So do you like this look? Where would you put one???

Looking to decorate your life? Click on the 'design services' link at the top of my blog to get started!﻿

Friday, April 13, 2012

Happy weekend and welcome to the series Fashion Friday... where I discuss my other design love! Yesterday's living space was warm, inviting and super stylish. The room had soft, netral colors with hints of fun, geometric patterns. Today, I tried to replicate that feel in an outfit!

I loved yesterday's soft, neutral palette. To recreate this look with fashion, I immediately thought of a spring outfit, with warm pastels! The wedge heels have a hint of pink on the inside, and that is replicated in the casual blazer. The patterns on the skirt and clutch reminded me of the geometric designs in the room's occasional chairs and pillows. The jewelry here is soft and doesn't compete with the outfit, similar to the subtle moments in the space. The clutch stands out as a showpiece and makes me think of that amazing art above the fireplace mantel!

Have a great weekend!!

Are you ready to decorate your life? Click on the 'design services' link at the top of this blog to get started!

Thursday, April 12, 2012

Happy Thursday and welcome to the series Why This Works... where I show a designed space and talk about what I love! I have loved this living room space since the first time I saw it- and I have been following the homeowner's blog since I began my own! This room was designed by Lauren Muse and is the perfect combination of traditional with modern. The homeowner is the amazing blogger and shop owner Sue from famed blog The Zhush. Sue worked alongside Lauren to create this gorgeous space- take a look!

Mixing traditional with modern is one of my favorite combinations and this space looks warm and inviting, while also chic and elegant. The modern art above the fireplace takes this space to the next level and helps to incorporate the room's soothing, neutral color palette. This modern art and the gray wall color works so well paired with the traditional tufted bench seating and sofas. I love the look of a large bench to help separate zones in a space, without blocking the view. It doesn't take up much visual space, yet is also very functional and provides extra seating. When sitting here, guests can easily chat with people on either side of the room. I love the overall neutral palette, with graphic prints sprinkled throughout the space for added interest. The cream colored drapery works well paired with the fireplace and art and doesn't try to compete. Overall, this space works! To see more of this amazing home, go here.

Tuesday, April 10, 2012

We had a fun, relaxing Easter weekend! We went to my mom's for Easter this year, and that's always a special treat! She has taught me so much about entertaining, making pretty tablescapes and adding a little extra pizazz to any meal. It has become a tradition that she makes cupcakes that resemble bird's nests! It's such a pretty spring inspired dessert and it looks great at the table.

They are so whimsical and sweet. And even the unfrosted cupcakes look beautiful when displayed in cloches and cake stands. My mom has really inspired me when it comes to displaying food in pretty ways. I adore the idea of cake stands and baskets as opposed to using regular plates. It makes the food look that much more delicious! This year, my mom used shaved chocolate pieces for the nest and chocolate eggs for the topping. In the past, she has used chinese noodles for the nest, but the chocolate really went so well with the cupcake. It made the perfect bite!

Friday, April 6, 2012

I am looking forward to a nice, long weekend ahead! I thought this dining room image was cheerful and reminded me of spring! Although I wouldn't take the literal interpretation of this room for my own home, it's a happy space for this Easter weekend!

Thursday, April 5, 2012

Happy Thursday and welcome to the series Why This Works... where I show a designed space and talk about what I love! This living room is gorgeous and definitely has me thinking about beams! The homeowner decorated the house herself and more images of her amazing home can be seen here. We have two rooms in our home with ceilings just like this! The addition of dark beams is a perfect match for this type of space.

When architectural details are on the ceilings, it immediately draws your eye up, making the space appear larger. Ceilings with height are a great eye teaser, giving the illusion of more ground space. In our home, the two rooms with high ceilings are not very large, so the height really helps! Adding beams would enhance the look even more and allow extra depth and texture into the room. I love how this homeowner decided to keep the furnishings light, striking a nice balance between the dark beams and the light furniture. The beams and cabinets give a rustic, farmhouse quality to the room, making you feel relaxed and right at home. The slip covered sofas give a casual, practical feel, perfect for any family room space. I love the pairing of the drapery with bamboo shades, giving extra texture to the room. The task lighting and books makes you want to linger and relax for hours. Overall, this space works! Now off to show this photo to my husband- I think we have some beam installations in our future! :)

What are your thoughts on this space?﻿

Are you looking to decorate your everyday life? Click on 'design services' at the top of my blog to get started!

Monday, April 2, 2012

A little while back, I tried a DIY experiment on my walls. I loved the idea, but didn't quite love the result. So... I had to try it again! If at first you don't succeed, try try again, right?? I had written here about a couple blog posts that had me inspired to write on my wall! When I tried it the first time, I didn't take my time and measure, ensuring it would be straight. So of course, it was a little crooked and cramped. (Sometimes taking the short cut doesn't make the project finish any faster!) But this time, I measured the wall and made little 5 inch pencil marks where I wanted each line to start. I think the finished product this time around is easier to read, clearer and much straighter!

Luckily, I had some extra paint leftover. I quickly added a couple coats to cover the words, then gave the paint about a week to cure. The next week, I was back at it again- this time carefully making sure I had each line straight. I would step back after every few words and check my work. The first time, this quote fit three entire times. This time, it barely fit once! Since I recently repainted the wall, I will wait about a week to erase the pencil marks, making sure the paint has enough time to settle. This time, I think it's much easier to read and doesn't feel so cramped. Here is a photo of the first time around:

Before:

And here it is now (one more time):

After:

Much better, I think! To see the quote in its entirety and read about the first wall writing experiment, go here!